Delayed growth

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Toddler development

Delayed growth is poor or abnormally slow height or weight gains in a child younger than age 5. This may just be normal, and the child may outgrow it.

See also: Short stature

Growth - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Weight gain - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development; Growth delay

A child should have regular, well-baby check-ups with a health care provider.

See the following for more information:

• Infant - newborn development
  • Developmental milestones record - 2 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 4 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 6 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 9 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 12 months
• Toddler development
  • Developmental milestones record - 18 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 2 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 3 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 4 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 5 years

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Constitutional growth delay refers to children who are small for their age but are growing at a normal rate. Puberty is often late in these children.

These children continue to grow after most of their peers have stopped. Most of the time, they will reach an adult height similar to their parents' height. However, other causes of growth delay must be ruled out.

Genetics may also play a role. One or both parents may be short. Short but healthy parents may have a healthy child who is in the shortest 5% for his or her age. These children are short, but they should reach the height of one or both of their parents.

Delayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many different things, including:

• Chronic disease
• Endocrine disorders
• Emotional health
• Infection
• Poor nutrition

Many children with delayed growth also have delays in development.

See also: Failure to thrive

Review Date: 01/17/2011
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).